Fast typists, adept transcribers, and fearsome keyboard clackers, lend me your ears! The Library of Congress needs your help. The Smithsonian reported on July 30 that the Library seeks help transcribing more than 16,000 pages of suffragist diaries, letters, speeches, and other documents. All are available on the library’s crowdsourcing program, By the People, and they’re hoping volunteers will help in the effort to bring more suffragist stories to light.

Recycling & Waste Reduction

Waste reduction is a major component of our work at Asheville GreenWorks. Since 1973, our staff and volunteers have worked to educate and reduce our dependance on one-use, so called “throw-away” items that simply fill up our landfills. Through recycling and compost education, we will reduce our need for landfills and through these innovations support infrastructure for future green industries.

Are you interested in volunteering as a Reading Coach or Reading Buddy? Sign up for training this Fall. Don’t wait, classes fill up quickly. First classes start in mid September. Click here for more information: http://www.r2sasheville.org/volunteer.html

The stories for many children born into poverty share a common outcome: a lifetime cycle of hardship. We believe that a single powerful factor – literacy – can help break that cycle. Read To Succeed Asheville wants all children to achieve well-being and lead productive lives. One crucial key is the ability to read proficiently, and we’re making inroads. Students are referred to us because they are unable to read at expected grade level and every year, on average, 66% of R2S students get to grade level in reading (as measured by the state DIBELS test).

The NC Department of Environmental Quality has extended the deadline for public feedback about North Carolina’s coal combustion residuals (CCR) rules from March 22 to April 6. The DEQ has indicated that they plan to enact their own state CCR rules in addition to the federal rules, which are at risk of being weakened by current EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. If the federal rules are weakened, we need to make sure the state CCR rules can step in to help defend our waters and our communities.

Asheville’s longest-running women’s community chorus presents its winter concert, “Be Brave – a salute to Sheroes!” honors the many “Sheroes” in our world: well-known public figures such as Malala, Pauli Murray, Harriet Tubman, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg who have changed history, along with everyday women who rise above life’s challenges to lead with love. Tickets at www.womansong.org

It’s unacceptable that sections of the French Broad River still don’t meet environmental standards over 45 years after the passage of the Clean Water Act. Too often parts of our river aren’t clean enough for my family or yours to swim and fish in. Last year we witnessed the river closed at times because of oil spills and chemical pollution, and, this summer, our water team has seen moderate amounts of rain trigger dramatic spikes in E. coli levels at some of our area’s most popular river recreation sites.

Asheville GreenWorks is a volunteer based 501(c)(3) working to enhance the environment and quality of life for the citizens of Asheville and Buncombe County through awareness building, community activities and partnership.

I think we can all agree that no fresh food should ever end up in the trash while people are going hungry. I hadn’t been at my current job for more than one week as the Marketing Manager for UNC Asheville’s dining program before I heard about Food Connection and Flori Pate, the co-founder and creative director of Dig Local and co-founder and executive director of Food Connection. My limited understanding, at that time, can be summed up as, “okay – so, we wrap up any unused extra food from back of house, call this lady, and she’ll just come get it and donate it?” It sounded a little too good to be true. Click here to continue reading

At Helpmate, we are fortunate to have the strong support of our generous community. Our collaborations with other organizations, partnerships with area businesses, the participation of many faith communities, and the ongoing philanthropy of individuals makes this work possible, and we are grateful. Contact Helpmate

My Sistah Taught Me That (MSTMT) is a young girl’s developmental program designed to encourage, inspire, educate, and empower young girls ages 11-19 with a special focus on girls growing up in single parent homes without their father. This program was created so young ladies in Buncombe County and surrounding areas in Western North Carolina may have the chance to be exposed to professional leaders in our community who are dedicated to providing opportunities, open dialogue, and exposure to things they wouldn’t routinely do, with the intent of helping them grow and mature. 276 EAST CHESTNUT STREET ASHEVILLE, NC, 28801 (828) 335-1218

We are Conserving Carolina, formed by the consolidation of two sister organizations, Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and Pacolet Area Conservancy. Our organizations, each with deep roots and strong histories of conserving our lands and natural resources, have united to increase conservation efforts in our area. Combining our expertise, talents and resources under a consolidated banner, we can do more for you!

Hands on Asheville-Buncombe plans and manages meaningful done-in-a-day volunteer opportunities called Flex Projects as well as Sports Projects, Partner Projects and Portable Projects

Flex Projects are created in collaboration with our Partner Agency, and are led by trained Hands On Volunteer Leaders. Flex Projects don’t require an ongoing commitment, giving you the chance to explore a variety of opportunities that impact our community.

What makes our Flex Projects unique?

Each Flex Project is led by a trained Hands On volunteer, known as a Volunteer Leader

Most Flex Projects take place on evenings and weekends and last 1-3 hours